The United States’ Oldest Park Ranger Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

At the age of 85, Betty Reid Soskin became a national park ranger. She celebrated her 100th birthday a decade and a half later and claimed she still had work to do.

“Heroes are needed,” Soskin remarked. “Perhaps I’m one of them.”

Soskin was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 22, 1921.

She stated that she wanted to become a park ranger in order to set an example and teach others about Black women in history as well as the contributions of all women throughout WWII.

Soskin’s hometown of Richmond, California, decided it was her turn to be the center of attention for her birthday this year.

They named a middle school after her, Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, in honor of the lifelong learner.

Soskin expressed her desire to continue motivating people to pursue their ambitions.

“I believe it is critical that we all pursue our passions,” Soskin added. “We all require a sense of purpose.”